Fedor Emelianenko Doesn't Seem to be Ready for Retirement Just Yet

No one should be totally surprised that Fedor Emelianenko is backing off talk of his impending retirement. Emelianenko is scheduled to face Pedro Rizzo on June 21 from Russia, and reports that he mentioned retirement started to circulate earlier this year.

However, in a recent interview with Russia 2 (thanks to LowKick.com for finding the quotes), Fedor denied that the Rizzo bout could be his last.

"We'll see. It's not a fact that I will retire on June 21," Emelianenko said. "I don't know who came to conclusion that I will coach young fighters. Everyone talks about my retirement, and that I will train young fighters. I never said that."

Since a three-fight losing skid saw him exit America and Strikeforce, Fedor has posted consecutive victories over Jeff Monson and Satoshi Ishii. The fight with Rizzo, a former UFC fighter, will be the first time Fedor has fought in St. Petersburg since 2007.